From UNL's COVID Digest:
The reporting of positive tests is a key part of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s work to limit the spread of COVID-19 on campus and in the greater community.
Faculty, staff and students are urged to first notify the university’s Public Health Advisory Team at covid19@unl.edu or via text message to 402-266-6865 as quickly as possible after a positive test. Identities of all who test positive are kept confidential. The sooner information is received, the quicker action can be taken to minimize an outbreak of COVID-19 that could impact campus activities.
Additional elements of the university’s positive test reporting protocol are below.
- Any employee (faculty, staff or student worker) who tests positive should promptly notify their direct supervisor.
- When contacted, supervisors should promptly notify the Public Health Advisory Team at covid19@unl.edu or via text message to 402-266-6865.
- Students should promptly notify instructors to determine how to address any missed course activities or requirements.
- Instructors, student support staff and all others whom a student might report a positive test to should promptly notify the Public Health Advisory Team at covid19@unl.edu or via text message to 402-266-6865. If possible, notifications should include the student’s full name and NU identification number.
University supervisors or other employees who learn of a positive COVID-19 case should not notify anyone other than the Public Health Advisory Team. This includes not sharing details with others that may share a workplace, classroom or living environment with the individual who tested positive. Those notifications will be completed by the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department and the Public Health Advisory Team.
The Public Health Advisory Team will keep confidential the identities and health information of all those who test positive. Information will only be shared with the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department, which coordinates contact tracing and identifying close contacts who may have been exposed.
Notifications convey only as much information as necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of the university community. In most cases, the individual who tested positive need not be identified.
Employees concerned about how disclosure of a positive test may affect employment can consult the administrative and sick leave policies designed to help offer support.
Reporting a positive test should not impact the course standing of a student as instructors have been asked to offer flexible alternatives when necessary. The Office of Student Advocacy and Support can help students if necessary. A comprehensive resource of supports for students is available here.
Learn more about COVID-19 testing, case reporting and contact tracing.